The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1887-10-13

REPORT OF MR.. PowDERLf.

Additlesal Proceedings ef the Knights Of Lsbst,
REPORT OF MR.. PowDERLI.
On Thursday afternoon the 9th inst,
Master Workman Powderly read his annual
print. 1t was received By the delegates.
He congratulated the Knights that the
present body was only half as Large as
that which assembled at Richmond.
There followed . detailed account Of the
part the Knights played year ago in the
trouble between the pork and beef packers
OF Chicago and their employees. Az to tho
reason Why the strike was declared off he
| said:
Ispent hours in working an estimate OF
what 1T would cost to support the numcr.
GUS mombers who were thrown on our
hands, and became satisfied that il the
various troubles lasted for any length Of
time we would require at least $500, 900.
knew that we did not have that amount
to spend, and also knew that
an assessment was levied on the
order it would be the the signal for an
attack on the general executive board.
work ever yet took place that the cry for
financial assistance did not 60 up as soon
as tho strike was inaugurated. knew
that with $4,000 more to take caro- Of,
many OF whom wero not members, We
would require from 500, 900 to 5000, 900
i to carry on the struggle, and with the
many troubles on hand was confident
that we would fail:
believe that the men OF the stock yards
that all laboring men should work but
more than eight hours; but before q move
is made in that direction we should care:
fully consider the interests OF all concerned,
as well as the prospects OF success for tho
undertaking.
In regard to the Chicago anarchists, Mr..
Powderly says: II these men did not have
fair trial, such as Is guaranteed every
man in the United States, then they should
been found guilty OF murder they should
not be hanged. If they are to be hanged
for the actions of others it is not just
The man who threw the bomb in Chicago
should be hanged and his accomplices
should receive the punishment allotted
to such offenses by the laws of the state
OF illinois,. Before the public I have
never said word concerning these
men: l have never felt called upon to say
anything, for it is none OF my business; yet
some OF their friends have put words OF
condemnation in my mouth in order to
have me say something in their favor.
allowed it to 90, as the many false reports
concerning me went unnoticed. felt that
if they could stand it could.
Then follows a lot of correspondence be-
tween Powderly and representatives OF the
order in Chicago, in which he stoutly pro-
tests against allowing any anarchistic reso-
lutions to pass district or local assem- lies
or appropriating any money to defray the
OF Mr.. Powderly's letters appears this
strong language:
write to you, as master workman OF
your district, TO say that these things are
wrong. They are in direct conflict with the
fundamental law OF the order: Every dele
gate to a district assembly knows that he
is to teach to the locals that this order is
an army Of peace. 1t follows that
violence on the part OF members or non.
members cannot, must not. be approved
or excused. For years in the city OF Chica-
go the adherents OF the anarchists cause
have maligned, opposed and insulted the
| order OF the Knights of Labor. Nomatter
how much we may sympathizc with them
| as fellow beings; no matter how we may
leel as to the illesality of the trial by which
they we're condemned to death; no matter
| though the police had committed an I'M
| warrantable act OF interference and pre-
cipitated conflict on the 4th of May; no
matter lift be true that public clamor, the
frenzy of the h our and the passions ar oused
| by the ill.advised actions of the men who
! shed the likelihood OF their fellow-me and
created a sentiment which had more to do
with rea ching verdict than the evidence
which was presented to the jury, it still re.
mains a fixed fact that the order of the
knights OF Labor is not responsible for
such actions as these. As individuals we
may express our feelings as we please, but
| as Knights OF Labor we must not commit
ncf1or ~ pf %1o IN ~,
| ings OF the anarchist.
The master workman introduced his
| series OF recommendations with the re-
! quest that they be given more consideration
than those he has made to past assemblies
! have received. lie recommends a united
effort to secure from congress the estab:i
! ment OF II department of labor
| with a cabinet member. He strongly ad-
| vocates the owning and operating OF
by the government, and alludes to al.
legged tampering with the election returns
in the last national election as q strong
| argument. He argues the matter at some
| length. He considers these two the most
! important matters to be urged on con.
gress. He emphasizes the necessity for
education and urges that the order should
have a journal that is read by every men,
| Der.
When the last general assembly adjourn.
ed the officers were attacked in q most
vicious manner by some OF those who were
present at the general assembly. ! be.
lieve that this general assembly should re.
buke such conduct, and do it in such a
! way as to leave no doubt on the minds OF
those who seek revenge for insults,
or fancied insults. through the
columns OF the public press. I believe
that the evil deeds OF prominent members
If he v1,o h., ho1l /
officers up to the public ridicule and
scorn, should be known to the order.
with our internal differences. I sin.
cerely hope that there will be no occa sion
for the exercise OF any feeling such as was
manifested in the last general assembly,
and that the scenes which followed the
Richmond session will not be re-enacted.
Mr.. Powderly repeats his protest
and his opinion that the resolution pas sed
at the last assembly was unconstitutional.
He advocates the adoption of universal
benefit plan.
If the present incumbent is not the man
to inspire that confidence he will cheerfully
give away to the man of your choice 1t is
true that l WAS elected for two years, to.
getEer with my brother officers, but l awe
all right which may have in that direc.
ton. This general assembly is higher than
it's general officers, and certainly has the
right to remove any or all OF them and re.
elect them or elect others to take their
places. have stated from the public plat.
form that was serving my last term
am, and make the announcement now, &c
that will not be misunderstood, and that
my motives may not be misunderstood.
make the confession to you now that ]
have always loved tho position hold; ]
Uon nd !, AL To-
selected. So much do honor the position
SO much is the Importance which attach
to it that there il no office in the gift o.
the people that would rather hold. Thus
do value the position.
The address closes with some admoni
tions and suggestions relative to The pres
emit sesNion.